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The tenth edition of the New Zealand Millennium Cup gets underway in the Bay of Islands later this month (January 23-26) and the fleet is the strongest it has been with six yachts hoping to come out on top. Making her Millennium Cup debut, 24.72 metre Ammonite was launched as recently as 2016 by South African yard Southern Wind. With exterior design by Nauta and naval architecture by Farr Yacht Design, she has all the makings of a serious contender, being fitted with a high modulus carbon mast, EC6+ carbon rigging and racing winches. Owner Marcus Blackmore said: "We will have a crack crew assembled for the cup including Olympians Matt Belcher (one gold and one silver) and Will Ryan (who won silver at Rio 2016). That said, we are still learning about the yacht after only three regattas. Ammonite has recently been cruising in the Pacific before coming to New Zealand. We are keen to do well and really looking forward to being in the Bay of Islands."

The tenth edition of the New Zealand Millennium Cup gets underway in the Bay of Islands later this month (January 23-26) and the fleet is the strongest it has been with six yachts hoping to come out on top.

Making her Millennium Cup debut, 24.72 metre Ammonite was launched as recently as 2016 by South African yard Southern Wind. With exterior design by Nauta and naval architecture by Farr Yacht Design, she has all the makings of a serious contender, being fitted with a high modulus carbon mast, EC6+ carbon rigging and racing winches.

Owner Marcus Blackmore said: "We will have a crack crew assembled for the cup including Olympians Matt Belcher (one gold and one silver) and Will Ryan (who won silver at Rio 2016). That said, we are still learning about the yacht after only three regattas. Ammonite has recently been cruising in the Pacific before coming to New Zealand. We are keen to do well and really looking forward to being in the Bay of Islands."

Another 2016 launch making her first appearance at the New Zealand Millennium Cup, 25.15 metre Enso was built on the other side of the world at British yard Oyster. A Rob Humphreys design, she is currently halfway through a two and a half year circumnavigation, which began in Antigua. She flies 3Di Endurance sails from North Sails and her in-boom furling carbon rig comes courtesy of Hall Spars. “Having heard great things from numerous people regarding this event and with an owner who was more than happy to participate, it seemed too good an opportunity to miss," says captain Tim MacIntosh. "We look forward to some fun racing in a stunning location and I have no doubt the Millennium Cup will live up to its excellent reputation.”

Another 2016 launch making her first appearance at the New Zealand Millennium Cup, 25.15 metre Enso was built on the other side of the world at British yard Oyster. A Rob Humphreys design, she is currently halfway through a two and a half year circumnavigation, which began in Antigua. She flies 3Di Endurance sails from North Sails and her in-boom furling carbon rig comes courtesy of Hall Spars.

“Having heard great things from numerous people regarding this event and with an owner who was more than happy to participate, it seemed too good an opportunity to miss," says captain Tim MacIntosh. "We look forward to some fun racing in a stunning location and I have no doubt the Millennium Cup will live up to its excellent reputation.”

It seems that Janice of Wyoming can’t get enough of racing in the New Zealand Millennium Cup. This 39.72 metre aluminium sloop was launched by Alloy in 2005 and has competed in four previous editions of the world’s most southerly regatta. Her team will be hoping to improve on their second place finish last time around. “Janice of Wyoming is performing well and we’re going all-in to secure the owners a win, in recognition of their longstanding and passionate support of the New Zealand Millennium Cup," says Captain Chris Wilson. "Any yacht which is in New Zealand at this time of year and doesn’t join the regatta is missing out, and we’re looking forward to seeing more involved each year as word spreads among owners and crew. Close, competitive racing makes the event a thrill and there’s no better feeling than being the first across the line in the beautiful Bay of Islands.”

It seems that Janice of Wyoming can’t get enough of racing in the New Zealand Millennium Cup. This 39.72 metre aluminium sloop was launched by Alloy in 2005 and has competed in four previous editions of the world’s most southerly regatta. Her team will be hoping to improve on their second place finish last time around.

“Janice of Wyoming is performing well and we’re going all-in to secure the owners a win, in recognition of their longstanding and passionate support of the New Zealand Millennium Cup," says Captain Chris Wilson. "Any yacht which is in New Zealand at this time of year and doesn’t join the regatta is missing out, and we’re looking forward to seeing more involved each year as word spreads among owners and crew. Close, competitive racing makes the event a thrill and there’s no better feeling than being the first across the line in the beautiful Bay of Islands.”

A returning contender, Sassafras (ex-Pamina) is making her first Millennium Cup appearance since 2015. Launched by Dutch yard Royal Huisman in 2000, this 34.2 metre aluminium yacht features naval architecture by Ted Hood and exterior design by Ted Fontaine. “Being a regular visitor to the Bay of Islands, the Millennium Cup is a great way to enhance our time in this stunning part of New Zealand," enthuses Captain Tim Michalick. "While we may not be as 'sported-up' as some other contenders, we’re looking forward to the opportunity to push the yacht and have a lot of fun sailing around the course. We also firmly hope our participation adds to the interest in an event we support wholeheartedly.”

A returning contender, Sassafras (ex-Pamina) is making her first Millennium Cup appearance since 2015. Launched by Dutch yard Royal Huisman in 2000, this 34.2 metre aluminium yacht features naval architecture by Ted Hood and exterior design by Ted Fontaine.

“Being a regular visitor to the Bay of Islands, the Millennium Cup is a great way to enhance our time in this stunning part of New Zealand," enthuses Captain Tim Michalick. "While we may not be as 'sported-up' as some other contenders, we’re looking forward to the opportunity to push the yacht and have a lot of fun sailing around the course. We also firmly hope our participation adds to the interest in an event we support wholeheartedly.”

Built by local yard and event partner Yachting Developments and launched in 2002, 33.83 metre Silvertip is a regular at the New Zealand Millennium Cup, scooping the top prize twice. “Racing in the Bay of Islands surrounded by a dolphin pod playing at the bow is always a treat," comments the owner. “The organisation is flawless, the scenery second to none and the racing quite competitive.”

Built by local yard and event partner Yachting Developments and launched in 2002, 33.83 metre Silvertip is a regular at the New Zealand Millennium Cup, scooping the top prize twice. “Racing in the Bay of Islands surrounded by a dolphin pod playing at the bow is always a treat," comments the owner. “The organisation is flawless, the scenery second to none and the racing quite competitive.”

Reigning champion Tawera will be hoping to make it a hattrick of New Zealand Millennium Cup titles after coming out on top in the 2016 and 2017 regattas. Launched in 1995 by Alloy Yachts with design by Ron Holland, she is fresh from a 2017 refit and carries a full set of North 3Di sails, which should give this ketch-rigged yacht an impressive turn of speed out on the open water. Owners Mike and Tracy Mahoney said: "Last year was a resoundingly successful and enjoyable regatta. Every aspect was slick, professional and timely. We can’t wait to head North again to experience the New Zealand Millennium Cup’s unique blend of fantastic racing and outstanding, relaxed hospitality. It is jointly the camaraderie, parties and, of course, the sailing that make the event what it is." “Sailing is in New Zealanders’ DNA,” adds Millennium Cup organiser Stacey Cook. “The Millennium Cup regatta is unique in that race crew are often comprised of a mix of America’s Cup and round-the-world sailors which makes for skilled racing — while they also enjoy showing off their home waters to superyacht owners. For the owners who come to this adventurous pocket of the world the result is an incredible regatta that couldn’t be recreated anywhere else.”

Reigning champion Tawera will be hoping to make it a hattrick of New Zealand Millennium Cup titles after coming out on top in the 2016 and 2017 regattas. Launched in 1995 by Alloy Yachts with design by Ron Holland, she is fresh from a 2017 refit and carries a full set of North 3Di sails, which should give this ketch-rigged yacht an impressive turn of speed out on the open water.

Owners Mike and Tracy Mahoney said: "Last year was a resoundingly successful and enjoyable regatta. Every aspect was slick, professional and timely. We can’t wait to head North again to experience the New Zealand Millennium Cup’s unique blend of fantastic racing and outstanding, relaxed hospitality. It is jointly the camaraderie, parties and, of course, the sailing that make the event what it is."

“Sailing is in New Zealanders’ DNA,” adds Millennium Cup organiser Stacey Cook. “The Millennium Cup regatta is unique in that race crew are often comprised of a mix of America’s Cup and round-the-world sailors which makes for skilled racing — while they also enjoy showing off their home waters to superyacht owners. For the owners who come to this adventurous pocket of the world the result is an incredible regatta that couldn’t be recreated anywhere else.”

The 6 sailing yachts hoping to win the 2018 Millennium Cup

Ammonite

The tenth edition of the New Zealand Millennium Cup gets underway in the Bay of Islands later this month (January 23-26) and the fleet is the strongest it has been with six yachts hoping to come out on top.

Making her Millennium Cup debut, 24.72 metre Ammonite was launched as recently as 2016 by South African yard Southern Wind. With exterior design by Nauta and naval architecture by Farr Yacht Design, she has all the makings of a serious contender, being fitted with a high modulus carbon mast, EC6+ carbon rigging and racing winches.

Owner Marcus Blackmore said: "We will have a crack crew assembled for the cup including Olympians Matt Belcher (one gold and one silver) and Will Ryan (who won silver at Rio 2016). That said, we are still learning about the yacht after only three regattas. Ammonite has recently been cruising in the Pacific before coming to New Zealand. We are keen to do well and really looking forward to being in the Bay of Islands."

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